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Australia. I would love to see Ayers Rock (Uluru) and the Coober Pedy opal fields.

Minas Gervais is one of the largest colored gemstone producing areas in the world. I imagine that what is in that area is very guarded and not open to the general public for collecting, so, yes, what is found there stays there, unless it is sold. LOL We've purchased beautiful faceting material from the area. The various quartz materials (ametrine, citrine, amethyst) are especially clean.

SuzieB:
Rocks in suitcase (and head): I picked up rocks from Caribbean islands while on a cruise and put them in a small heavy duty duffle bag. All bags go to the port baggage collection area. A porter was loading my bags onto a cart and when he picked up that little, heavy bag he said "What's in here. Rocks?" When I said "Yes" he gave me that look. I opened the bag to show him. He said he wished he'd thought to pick up a rock everyplace he'd even been. I always bring small rocks back in my checked luggage and have never had a problem. Just make sure you haven't picked up a priceless
artifact! Last month's Rock and Gem magazine had info about an upcoming fieldtrip to the British Isles and the various points of interest.

I usually get a rock from where ever I go. I picked up a really cool piece of....not sure, either igneous or metamorphic from the beach when I was in California....it was absolute flat on one side and rounded on the other, think from the waves crashing over it. So I'm always looking for the unusual. I wish I could have seen the article on British Isles. Do you know what issue it is, I may be able to look it up.

ALSO What is Ayers rock.....I mean what type of formation? It's really cool but wondered if it was a laccolith like Stone Mt. GA. or something else.

................Minas Gerais is a municipality in Brazil, where it is internationally known for it's rich abundance of Amythest quartz geodes of exceptional quality, as well Emeralds both high grade(clear of inclusions) and low grade(full of inclusions).........

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...............Right nearby in Paraguay and Uruguay, are areas where exceptional banded Agate geodes of awesome colors are found for many years now................

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..............Ayers Rock in Australia is a sandstone rock that is very awesome. Australia's Coober Pedy Opal fields produce some of the world's best opals, as well the Virgin Valley Nevada.......

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....................here are several Wiki articles to fill your curious heads which more great data. Enjoy...

....................hello Marcia my dearest and longest of sisterfriends, longtime no see. I am still here, though have slowed down some, as life is still a jig saw puzzle with some missing parts. Nice to see you here again............

Hi, Eric! I often check in and read the posts. We have many knowledgable (and technical!) members now. I'm just a simple rock/fossil/seashell collector. I use my trusty Audubon field guide to identify what I pick up.
Posts from the more knowlegable members are very interesting. I'm reading a book on the geology of the Carolinas since that is my primary collecting area.
Hugs to you my special brotherfriend!

................the only complications with any sending of rocks is their weight. Insure rare and valuable spiecemans well, and gemstones also. My post office here loves seeing me send rocks to people, and getting some in return. The only real cost in sending them is the weight. I have sent rocks to our members Binky and Chezzie, and custom rock jewelry to them and Sherri and Cali at Writers Write forum. And recieved rock presents from Binky and Chezzie and aunt Marie all members here. None have been missing or broken to date............
.....................Southern Mexico and all of Central America have been very dangerous for white engliish speaking tourists for many years now. Please do not go there Jade Junkie. It is safer to go to Vietnam and collect some big chunks of Honey(light brown)Topaz.Unfortunately all the worlds non english speaking countires are very dangerous currently, and most all hate us americans and christians..............

Yeah, i talked to a guy just back from guatamala and he said the same thing....said go with a large group and hire bodyguards....maybe when i'm older and things maybe get a little safer. he said it was mostly a kidnap for ransom thing....we got the money so we are the targets.

................hopefully things will settledown in the future for you. I myself have reached an age I fear to endanger myself too much, and will probably not travel internationally as I had hoped to...........